Students on Hillsdale’s campus represent 20 countries around the world, according to Hillsdale Admissions Counselor Ben Strickland. For many international students, sports brought them to campus.  

Freshmen Henry Hammond and Daniel Warbuton and senior Jamahl Burke all come to Hillsdale to pursue their athletic careers. 

When Hammond came to Hillsdale from London, England, the American patriotism surprised him.

“Everyone loves their own country so much,” he said.

In addition to the patriotic spirit, Hammond said the political discussions and divisions were foreign to him. Everyone has their own opinion on every topic, he said.

“The massive importance of politics in this country is so prominent and everyone has a stance,” Hammond said. “That was a shock.”

Hammond said U.S. laws and policies were different from those back home. Being in a country in which gun laws are more lenient and gun ownership is common was strange, Hammond said.

“I don’t really think anywhere has the same culture as the U.S.. It’s very separated from European countries and Asian countries,” Hammon dsaid.

Hammond said U.S. citizens are bold and open with their views and ideas. 

“People share more with me because they realize that I’m not from here.” Hammond said. “And then I get to learn what Americans see and what they think about England. I also get to experience the classic American things because they want me to experience them.”

In contrast, Burke, who is from Barbados, said Americans are more closed off and private than Barbadians.

“When I was here my freshman year, I would normally say good morning, good afternoon, good night. I noticed it wouldn’t always be reciprocated,” he said. “The people in Barbados are very laid back, and there’s never a rush to get anywhere. It’s always relaxed, and I miss that.” 

Still, Burke said Hillsdale students were kind and inclusive in the community.

“I was happily and willingly accepted into this community,” Burke said. “Being an outsider was kind of weird at the beginning. You feel alone even though you have a lot of people to talk to. But everyone was very welcoming, and I really appreciate that.”

Upon coming to campus, Warburton joined the International Club as part of his Hillsdale community.

“It’s fun meeting people who have a similar story to me,” Warburton said. “I feel like all the international students here at Hillsdale have a similar perspective, and one that maybe American students don’t have. So it’s cool being able to see people from different parts of the world and hear their story as well.”

Warburton said Americans’ love for country music is something he will never adopt.

“Everyone seems to love it but not me,” he said. 

Burke said a strange cultural custom he adjusted to was the American dinner time. Americans eat much earlier, Burke said. And the food doesn’t compare.

“I’d always heard that American food was bland,” Burke said. “It’s not as bland as the internet made it sound, but it just doesn’t compare.”

While Burke thinks American food is bland, Warburton said even American coffee pales in comparison to Australian. 

“The coffee is also a lot better back home to be honest,” Warburton said.

In Hillsdale, Hammond said he has been able to enjoy American classics because people introduce him to them. Hammond has also been able to share some of his own country’s classics and correct stereotypes. He said a common misconception about Londoners is that they all drink tea.If an American visited England, they would also be surprised by how it rains almost daily, Hammond said. 

While Hammond has seen more sun since coming to America, Warburton has seen less. He said Australian weather is always sunny and warm. The seasons are also completely opposite. Mid-winter in Hillsdale is peak summer back home, Warburton said.

Burke said many Americans assume Barbadians live on the beach, but most people live inland, away from the ocean waves. In addition, Burke said Hillsdale students would find the size of his country surprising. 

“The island is just under 14 kilometers across and 26 long,” he said. 

Warburton said Americans would also be surprised by how small Australia’s population is compared to the US.

Hammond said the non-tourist locations in London are more noteworthy and would create a grander experience.

“Try and find an English friend so that they can take you around to the better places”, he said.